8. Sharpen the Axe

Introduction

"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things." (Peter Drucker and Warren Bennis)

The preparations and planning that are required in order to go on a one-year expedition to the North Pole are quite different to the arrangements needed to visit someone in the next town. The expedition could take months, or even years, to plan and prepare for, whereas the trip to the next town could be arranged in a five-minute telephone call. Leadership development is a lifetime journey, not just a quick trip. To remain effective in our leadership we need planning and preparation in all aspects of our development: our spiritual, mental, relational and physical lives.

The previous four studies have looked at how we can invest in the four essential areas of our lives. This study investigates a practical strategy to keep ourselves sharp and effective.